Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Democratic Participation: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstrak

This paper explores the growing intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and democratic
participation, analyzing both the transformative potential and the risks associated with the use of AI in
political processes. Drawing from interdisciplinary literature across political science, computer
science, and ethics, the study adopts a qualitative approach to examine how AI technologies are
reshaping citizen engagement, information access, and policy-making mechanisms. The findings reveal
that AI can enhance democratic participation through tools that personalize political information,
support inclusive civic engagement, and enable data-driven governance. However, the study also
highlights significant concerns, including algorithmic bias, the opacity of automated decision-making,
surveillance, and the manipulation of public opinion through AI-driven disinformation campaigns.
These dual dynamics underscore the need for ethical frameworks, regulatory oversight, and increased
digital literacy to ensure that AI serves democratic values rather than undermines them. The paper
concludes by emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with accountability to safeguard the
integrity and inclusiveness of democratic systems in the AI era.